Debbie In a fast-paced world, maintaining optimal well-being can be challenging. Your diet may not always provide the necessary nutrients, and stress and pollution can take a toll on your overall health. This is where dietary supplements come into play. While these supplements should never replace a balanced diet, they can help fill the gaps in your nutrition and support your overall health.
According to the data collected, among U.S. individuals aged between twenty years and over, women (63.8%) used dietary supplements more frequently than males (50.8%). Supplement consumption rises as people age.
When it comes to the geographic background of the pharmacy industry, three states, including California, New York, and Texas, have the highest concentrations of pharmacies in the U.S. In Texas alone, there are around 3,916 such companies, including some of the reputed ones in cities like Sulphur Springs.
Now, let’s learn about how daily supplements can boost your health and well-being when taken wisely and in consultation with a healthcare professional.
1. Vitamin C
L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin naturally found in foods and is also available as a dietary supplement. Did you know that the human body, unlike most animals, cannot synthesize vitamin C on its own, so it is a crucial dietary component?
A doctor may recommend vitamin C supplements along with others if you experience signs like easy bruising, fatigue, and bumpy skin. You can go for commercially available vitamin C supplements; however, if you are allergic to a certain ingredient, do not worry. Some pharmacies in Texas offer compounded medication tailored to an individual’s particular needs. It is even easier to find one if you reside in Sulphur Springs. Look up the best options online with relevant keywords such as pharmacy Sulphur Springs TX so that you can easily find compounded medication prepared by a licensed pharmacist.
Your body requires Vitamin C for the biosynthesis of L-carnitine, collagen, and other neurotransmitters, as well as protein metabolism. This vitamin helps your immune cells work properly and improves their capacity to fight illness.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a type of fat-soluble vitamin that enables your body to absorb and retain phosphorous and calcium; both are crucial for bone health. Research says that vitamin D can decrease the growth of cancer cells, alleviate inflammation, and help manage infections.
Scientists are actively researching additional possible uses for vitamin D, which has receptors in many bodily organs and tissues and suggests crucial roles beyond bone health.
According to the reports, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was higher in women than in males. Adolescents had a greater percentage (49.2%) of severe deficiencies than other age groups (30.9%). Traditional clothing, minimal sun exposure, and a shortage of foods fortified with vitamin D might be the causes.
Very few foods contain vitamin D naturally. For the majority of people, the best option to get adequate vitamin D is using supplements because it can be difficult to consume enough through diet only.
3. B Vitamins
Did you know there are eight B vitamins in total, including vitamins B6 and B12?
This group of vitamins supports the functions of several enzymes, including those that produce energy from fat and carbohydrates, break down amino acids, and transport oxygen and energy-containing nutrients throughout the body.
Vitamin B supplements are also essential for healthy immune systems, cell metabolism, and brain function.
4. Zinc
Many individuals turn to zinc supplements when they are ill. Zinc is one of the most plentiful trace elements in the human body and is essential to almost every area of your health.
Zinc supplements often help in treating and preventing zinc deficiency. Though its deficiency is uncommon, this mineral is regarded as an essential nutrient, meaning the body cannot create it. Individuals who follow restricted diets, have trouble absorbing nutrients, or have particular medical issues may be especially vulnerable.
Zinc deficiency symptoms may include hair loss, lowered immunity, slow wound healing, diarrhea, and poor appetite. Studies suggest that most zinc deficiency instances can be easily treated with supplements and dietary changes, which will quickly alleviate any symptoms that result from the deficiency.
5. Calcium
The human body requires calcium to grow and maintain healthy bones. Your bones and teeth contain about 98% of the calcium in your body. Insufficient calcium levels cause your body to remove calcium from your bones, making them brittle and weak, which results in osteoporosis.
Since females are at a greater risk of osteoporosis, healthcare practitioners suggest calcium supplements, particularly after menopause. Taking calcium and vitamin D together is often recommended because vitamin D enhances the calcium absorption in your body.
6. Magnesium
Magnesium supplements are essential in keeping your bones strong, your blood pressure normal, and your heart rate steady. Many Americans, according to experts, do not consume enough foods high in magnesium. Adults who consume less magnesium than is advised are more likely to have increased inflammatory markers. Major medical diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and various cancers are all linked to inflammation. Magnesium deficiency also seems to be a risk factor for osteoporosis.
Some research shows that consuming magnesium supplements may also lower the chance of developing dementia and improve cognitive performance. The recommended dietary allowance of magnesium is 310 mg/day for females between 19 and 30 years, whereas 400 mg/day for males of the same age.
7. Iron
Iron supplements, also called iron pills or iron salts, are several iron formulations that help prevent or treat iron deficiency. Iron is a vital mineral that plays a part in red blood cell production, which carries oxygen. You can get iron from food; however, in case of insufficient levels, supplements might be necessary. Most doctors recommend iron supplements for some types of anemia, which can lead to fatigue and several other symptoms.
8. Vitamin K
This vitamin is crucial in the synthesis of proteins that are responsible for blood clotting mechanisms. The recommended vitamin K dose is 120mg for males and 90mg for females. Vitamin K supplements help improve bone health, boost wound healing, and prevent heart disease. It decomposes relatively quickly and is excreted through the stool or urine. As a result, even at high intakes, vitamin K rarely reaches hazardous levels in the body.
Conclusion
Dietary supplements should never replace a well-balanced diet, and their consumption should always be guided by a certified healthcare practitioner. Nutritional needs are unique for everyone, and excessive dietary supplements can sometimes have adverse side effects.
